Gerhard Berger: 'Formula 1 needs a dictatorship!'

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Gerhard Berger fears Formula 1 is heading to a disappointing status quo on the regulation front, insisting the sport requires change and cannot be run democratically.

Commercial rights holder Liberty Media is nearing a finalization of the rules that will take hold of F1 from 2021.

Earlier this year, it was expected the sport would embark upon a deep transformation, centered around less sophisticated and costly engine technology that would encourage independent manufacturers to join the fray.

However, recent talks between Formula 1's managers and the teams may have seen the emergence of a consensus among the engine manufacturers and an agreement to oppose change, and persist with the current hybrid power unit blueprint.

Ecclestone: 'Stupid regulations stop drivers racing'

That outlook is a very disappointing one says Berger, who is now in charge of the German DTM series.

"The worst thing for me would be no decisions," the former Ferrari and McLaren driver told Bild.

"I understand the position of the big manufacturers over the engines, because they are not wrong when they say 'If no new manufacturer is coming, why change something? It only costs money'."

The Austrian believes F1's manufacturers are obviously opposed to a set of rules that would allow Porsche, Ilmor or Cosworth to stroll in and easily win with smaller investments and simpler regulations.

"That's why there can be no agreement," he said.

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Berger also lamented the frequent tweaking of the rules that take place in Grand Prix racing from one year to another while never addressing the core problem: the cars.

"First, they're too heavy. Second, there should be technology that can be mastered and paid for by more than just two or three giant corporations," he added.

"Third, the technology should not be the deciding factor, and fourth, a driver must be able to win with an above-average car.

"These endless meetings in Geneva and Paris or wherever are going nowhere. Formula 1 cannot be run democratically," insisted the ten-time Grand Prix winner.

"It needs a dictatorship with one or two people who decide where we go. In this case, Chase Carey for the new owners and Jean Todt as FIA president," he said.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.